Just a few months and 25 appearances into his Real Madrid career, James Rodríguez is currently enjoying his most productive season ever. A return of nine goals and assists apiece is a testament to his form, and is made more impressive by the fact that he hasn't played the full 90 minutes in every game.
James arrived at the Bernabéu off the back of a stellar World Cup, with his vast price tag and the challenge of stepping into the shoes of fan favourite Ángel Di María potential millstones around his neck. He wasn't weighed down, though, and from the very beginning established himself as a fixture in the middle of the park for the European champions.
Both before and after Luka Modric's injury, Carlo Ancelotti has never wavered in his faith in the Colombian wizard.
James ushered out 2014 with a tweet thanking God for all the success he has enjoyed, but also looked ahead to what he hopes will be more of the same in 2015.
Having already lifted two trophies - the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup - with 'Los Blancos', the former Monaco and Porto man is hungry for more.
The star will have to thrive on all sorts of stages if he is to achieve his lofty ambitions. "My dream is to win the Ballon d'Or" is his stock response when asked about his aims, both for this year and for the future.
Rodríguez will kick off 2015 at Valencia's Mestalla stadium, the type of venue that tests players' mettle. However, considering how he has coped with the pressure cooker of life at Real Madrid, you can bet he won't be overawed.
he is good but not like di'maria during his time there..
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